Skip to content
    Biology A-Level

    Polygenic inheritance

    What Polygenic inheritance means in Biology A-Level, as defined for OCR.

    Definition of Polygenic inheritance

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Polygenic inheritance in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: OCR

    Control by many genes, each with a small additive effect, producing a range of phenotypes.
    OCR · Patterns of inheritance (study guide)

    Topics that use Polygenic inheritance

    Related terms

    Using Polygenic inheritance in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Biology questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Biology A-Level terms